“Just Wave…”

As a “southern girl,” it is customary to wave at anyone passing down the street while you are sitting on the front porch. We call it “Southern Hospitality.”

During one sermon, my minister told the audience, “If what I am sharing with you drives down your street, just wave.” J

Growing up in the church, I am used to ministers saying that their messages may just “step on some toes.” Basically, they are saying the message may be uncomfortable for some.

The gospel is intended to “comfort the afflicted and afflict the comforted.” This means it is to comfort those in need of comforting, and challenge those who have gotten complacent or too comfortable.

Afflicted, as a verb, is defined as “to distress with mental or bodily pain; trouble greatly or grievously:” http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/afflicted

The Bible says:

Matthew 11:28 (NKJV): “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV): “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

Philippians 4:6 (NKJV): “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV): “…for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Matthew 5:4 (NIV): “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

Matthew 5:6 (NIV): “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Matthew 5:10 (NIV): “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

John 11:35 (NIV): “Jesus wept.”

Being a Christian is not about being comfortable. You will suffer persecution. It is about having faith in God and trusting Him to keep his promises.

The message is meant to “shake us out of our comfort zones and better trust and serve God.

So, if this message happens to be driving down your street…smile and Just Wave…” J

P.S.  I’m Waving…Are You??

(to be continued…)